Augusta University vs Georgia Southwestern State University: which has better ROI?
Georgia Southwestern State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $48,076 in 121.1 years versus 492.4 years at Augusta University, on median earnings of $48,757 vs $48,472 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Augusta University | Georgia Southwestern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,787 | $12,019 |
| Total net cost | $55,148 | $48,076 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,472 | $48,757 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,851 |
| Payback | 492.4 yrs | 121.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$52,908 | -$40,136 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Augusta University or Georgia Southwestern State University?
Georgia Southwestern State University, at $12,019 a year after aid versus $13,787 — a gap of $1,768 a year, or $7,072 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Augusta University or Georgia Southwestern State University graduates earn more?
Georgia Southwestern State University graduates report a median $48,757 ten years after entry, $285 more than the $48,472 at Augusta University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Augusta University or Georgia Southwestern State University?
Georgia Southwestern State University: its completers carry a median $18,851 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Augusta University, a difference of $1,649. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Augusta University, against 41% at Georgia Southwestern State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.